Wisconsin Athletes Release Statement Regarding Racial Inequalities on Campus

Wisconsin Badgers basketball star Nigel Hayes and several football players released a statement Monday condemning an offensive Halloween costume and demanding social change on campus, per Jesse Temple of ESPN.com.

Hayes provided the full statement on his personal Twitter account:

As well as noting their experience with racism on the road, the student-athletes singled out the recent incident, which took place in the stands at Wisconsin's home football game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers:

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We are loved during competition, but then subjected to racial discrimination in our everyday lives too. It is painful that someone in our community would show up to an athletic event with a mask of our sitting president, who happens to look a lot like us, with a noose around his neck. That moment was like a punch in the face to not only student-athletes of color, but also current students, faculty and alumni of color. This incident was yet another blow and reminder that there are people in this community that may not value diverse populations.

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During the Oct. 29 game, a fan wore a Donald Trump mask while leading another fan in a President Barack Obama costume around by a noose. Per Joe Rodgers of Sporting News, Wisconsin employees asked the fans to remove the noose.

Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez vowed to change the school's policies before the next home game.

"I am deeply troubled by the incident from last Saturday's game, and I am sorry for the harm it caused," Alvarez said, per Temple. "I am determined that nothing like this will happen again."

The statement noted the "positive experiences far outweigh the negatives" in Madison, Wisconsin, but it called for action to improve the conditions for African-Americans on campus.

"Please create real programs, initiate meaningful change and understand that students of color deserve to thrive in this institution just like our peers," the statement said. "We want to be a part of the amazing legacy this university has held for years and years."

Alvarez responded to the statement released by the athletes on Tuesday:

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I could not be more proud of our student-athletes who have the courage of their convictions to speak out about their experiences and about societal issues that are important not only on our campus but all across our country. I look forward to meeting with our student-athletes in the hope that, together, we can take action to create positive change.

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Hayes also took on the NCAA in a protest during College GameDay on Oct. 15, calling for college athletes to be paid.